Optical fiber closure having improved optical fiber connection and tracing features

ABSTRACT

Optical fiber closure having improved optical fiber connection and tracing features is described. The optical fiber closure supports a plurality of optical connector panels, each of which includes a plurality of receptacles respectively associated with a first plurality of indicia that is identical for each of the plurality of optical connector panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to optical fiber closuresand, more particularly, to an optical fiber closure having improvedoptical fiber connection and tracing features.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Optical communications refer to the medium and the technologyassociated with the transmission of information as light pulses. Manyapplications utilize an optical fiber network to establish opticalcommunications between network locations. In order to enable opticalcommunication and the flow of optical signals between network locations,various interconnections must be established between different opticalfibers.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 1a, there is shown a simple ray model of lightpulse transmission via a straight optical fiber. The optical fiber 100,shown in longitudinal cross section, has an optical core 102 that issurrounded by a cladding 104 and has a critical angle θ_(c). FIG. 1bshows a simple ray model of light pulse transmission on a bent opticalfiber. As illustrated, when the bend of the optical fiber 100 is such asto cause a light ray to strike the boundary of the core 102 and cladding104 at an angle greater than the critical angle θ_(c)—the angularexcess, as shown in the inset, being labeled θ_(bend)—the light rayleaks out of the optical fiber core. Further, while lower order modelight rays are not likely to leak out of the optical fiber core, theymay be transformed into higher order mode light rays and may leak out ata subsequent bend in the optical fiber. Accordingly, it is necessarythat an optical fiber be routed so that bends in the optical fiber areof a sufficient radius to substantially avoid occurrence of such extracritical angle, and the associated light leakage.

[0006] The minimum bend radius characterizes the radius below which anoptical fiber should not be bent to avoid light ray leakage. Typically,the minimum bend radius varies with fiber design. Bending an opticalfiber with a radius smaller than the minimum bend radius may result inincreased signal attenuation and/or a broken optical fiber.

[0007] Optical fibers may be connected together within optical fiberclosures. An optical fiber closure typically includes a plurality ofoptical connector panels, each supporting a specific number of opticalconnectors for connecting optical fibers. Optical fiber closures containan increasing number of optical connectors. Optical connector panels arebeing made to increase the overall number of optical connectors that canbe mounted in a single fiber closure. As the optical connectors areplaced closer together, it is becoming more difficult to manuallymanipulate an optical connector panel without adversely affecting thefibers of adjacent optical connectors. For example, the fibers ofadjacent optical connectors are subject to over-bending, which candamage the adjacent optical connectors or otherwise deleteriously affectthe operation of the adjacent optical connectors.

[0008] Furthermore, to ensure proper connection among the variousoptical fibers within an optical fiber closure, each optical fiber isphysically “traced” from one end to another during connection. Whileperforming such a physical tracing procedure, a technician mayaccidentally over-bend an optical fiber. Such a physical tracingprocedure is becoming even more onerous due to the increasing number ofoptical connectors in a give optical fiber closure.

[0009] In addition, to facilitate optical fiber tracing andinterconnection, optical connectors are labeled within an optical fiberclosure. Conventionally, optical connectors within an optical fiberclosure are labeled using a sequential numbering system. For example, ifthere are 144 optical connectors within an optical fiber closure, eachoptical connector is labeled with a number ranging from 1 to 144. Such asequential numbering system requires the use and production of manydifferent variations of identical optical connector panels, eachvariation having a particular sequence of numbers. Moreover, aparticular optical connector panel can only be used in a specificlocation within an optical fiber closure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] These and other deficiencies of the prior art are addressed bythe present invention of an optical fiber closure having improvedoptical fiber connection and tracing features. In one embodiment, anoptical fiber closure includes a housing having a partition. Thepartition includes a frame surrounding a central opening. The framesupports a plurality of optical connector panels. Each of the pluralityof optical connector panels includes a plurality of receptacles forsupporting optical connectors and a first plurality of indiciarespectively associated with the plurality of receptacles. The frameincludes a second plurality of indicia respectively associated with theplurality of optical connector panels. Each of the plurality ofreceptacles for each of the plurality of optical connector panels isuniquely identifiable by respective indicia of the first plurality ofindicia and respective indicia of the second plurality of indicia.

[0011] In another embodiment, the optical fiber closure further includesa cover pivotally mounted to the housing. An identification label ispivotally mounted to the cover. The identification label includes a facehaving a plurality of column for identifying optical connector panelsand a third plurality of indicia respectively associated with theplurality of columns. Each of the plurality of columns includes aplurality of cells for identifying receptacles and a fourth plurality ofindicia corresponding to the first plurality of indicia. The thirdplurality of indicia corresponds with the second plurality of indicia,and the fourth plurality of indicia corresponds with the first pluralityof indicia.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the optical fiber closure includes anoptical tracing module mounted within the housing. One or more opticaltracing circuits are mounted to a respective one or more of theplurality of optical connector panels and are coupled to the opticaltracing module. Each of the optical tracing circuits includes aplurality of switches, a plurality of visual indicator devicesrespectively associated with the plurality of switches, and a pluralityof indicia respective associated with the plurality of switches andcorresponding with the first plurality of indicia. Each of the pluralityof switches is disposed at an angle to an adjacent one of the pluralityof switches.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the frame of the optical fiber closureincludes a top portion, a bottom portion, and opposing side portions.The top portion includes an inner edge having a first plurality ofnotches, and the bottom portion includes an inner edge having a secondplurality of notches respectively associated with the first plurality ofnotches. Each of the plurality of optical connector panels includes abody having a fixed latch member adapted to communicate with one of thefirst plurality of notches and the second plurality of notches, and aflexible latch member adapted to communicate with the other of the firstplurality of notches and the second plurality of notches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] So that the manner in which the above recited features of theinvention are attained and can be understood in detail, a moreparticular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, maybe had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated inthe appended drawings.

[0015] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrateonly typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

[0016]FIG. 1a is a simple ray model of light pulse transmission for astraight optical fiber;

[0017]FIG. 1b is a simple ray model of light pulse transmission for abent optical fiber;

[0018]FIG. 2 is an isometric and partially exploded view showing aportion of an exemplary embodiment of an optical fiber closure inaccordance with one or more aspects of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the housing of the optical fiberclosure depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with one or more aspects of theinvention;

[0020]FIGS. 4A through 4D depict an exemplary embodiment of an opticalconnector panel of the optical fiber closure depicted in FIG. 2 inaccordance with one or more aspects of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative identification label of the opticalfiber closure depicted in FIG. 2 in accordance with one or more aspectsof the invention;

[0022]FIG. 6 depicts a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of anoptical tracing circuit in accordance with one or more aspects of theinvention; and

[0023]FIG. 7 depicts an optical tracing circuit depicted in FIG. 6within an optical fiber closure in accordance with one or more aspectsof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Optical fiber closure having improved optical fiber connectionand tracing features is described. In the following description,numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thoroughunderstanding of the invention. As will be apparent to those skilled inthe art, however, various changes using different configurations may bemade without departing from the scope of the invention. In otherinstances, well-known features have not been described in order to avoidobscuring the invention. Thus, the invention is not considered limitedto the particular illustrative embodiments shown in the specificationand all such alternate embodiments are intended to be included in thescope of this invention.

[0025]FIG. 2 is an isometric and partially exploded view showing aportion of an exemplary embodiment of an optical fiber closure 200 inaccordance with one or more aspects of the invention. The optical fiberclosure 200 includes a housing 201 and a front cover 208. Although notshown, the optical fiber closure 200 may include a rear coversubstantially similar to the front cover 208. The housing 201 includes atop 202, a bottom 204, and opposing walls 206. The housing 201 may beformed of sheet metal, plastic, or like type materials known to thoseskilled in the art. Each of the opposing walls 206 illustrativelyincludes an aperture 210 defined therein through which optical fibersmay pass. The bottom 204 illustratively includes a pair of hinge members212 for pivotally supporting the front cover 208, although one or morehinge members 212 may be used. The opposing walls 206 include latchmembers 214 for securing the front cover 208 in a closed position. Thehousing 201 may employ any of various types of hinge members 212 andlatch members 214 known in the art. The housing 201 includes a partition216 mounted therein for supporting optical connector panels. Thepartition 216 is described more fully below with respect to FIG. 3.

[0026] The front cover 208 includes a bottom edge 209, a top edge 211,opposing side edges 213, an inside face 222, and an outside face 223.The front cover 208 illustratively includes a pair of hinges 218proximate the bottom edge 209. The hinges 218 are adapted to bepivotally mounted to the hinge members 212 of the housing 201. The frontcover 208 further includes a pair of latches 220 extending from the sideedges 213. The latches 220 are adapted to be secured to latch members214 of the housing. The front cover may be disposed in a closed positionby securing the latches 220 with the latch members 214, and may bedisposed in an open position by disengaging the latches 220 from thelatch members 214. The front cover 208 may be formed of transparent ortranslucent material, such as plastic.

[0027] The inside face 222 includes one or more hinge members 224 (e.g.,two are shown) for pivotally supporting an identification label 226. Theidentification label 226 includes a hinged edge 225 proximate the hingemembers 224, a free edge 227 opposite the hinge members 224, and a frontface 229 for recording identification indicia, and a back face 231. Thefront face 229 of the identification label 226 is visible if the frontcover 208 is in the closed position. Notably, the free edge 227 of theidentification label 226 is proximate to the bottom edge 209 if thefront cover 208 is in the closed position. If the front cover 208 is inthe open position, the identification label 226 may pivot on the hingemembers 224 around axis 250 such that the free edge 227 is opposite thebottom edge 209 and the font face 229 is visible. In this manner, thefront face 229 of the identification label 226 may be visible when thefront cover 208 is in either of the open or closed positions. Byrecording identification information on only the front face 229 of theidentification label 226, the invention reduces or eliminates the riskof human error. Notably, conventional identification labels are notpivotable and require replication of identification information from oneside of the identification label to the other.

[0028]FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative identification label 226 inaccordance with one or more aspects of the invention. The identificationlabel 226 includes one or more hinge receptacles 502 (e.g., two areshown) and a plurality of columns 504 (e.g., twelve are shown). Thehinge receptacles 502 are adapted for pivotal mounting to the hingemembers 224 of the front cover 208. Each of the columns 504 includes aplurality of cells 506 (e.g., twelve are shown). Each of the columns 504further includes identification indicia 508. The identification indicia508 illustratively includes alphabetical characters ranging from ‘A’ to‘L’, consecutively, although other types and numbers of identificationindicia may be used. As described more fully below, each of the columns504 is associated with a respective one of a plurality of opticalconnector panels. As such, identification indicia 508 are related to theplurality of optical connector panels.

[0029] Each of the cells 506 includes identification indicia 510.Notably, the cells 506 associated with each of the columns 504 includeidentical identification indicia 510. The identification indicia 510 forthe cells 506 associated with each of the columns 504 illustrativelyincludes numerical characters ranging from ‘1’ to ‘12’, consecutively,although other types and numbers of identification indicia may be used.As such, each of the columns 504 includes cells 506 havingidentification indicia 510 ranging from ‘1’ to ‘12’. As described morefully below, each of the cells 506 is associated with a respective oneof a plurality of optical connector receptacles in a given opticalconnector panel. As such, each optical connector receptacle of eachoptical connector panel may be uniquely identified using theidentification indicia 510 and the identification indicia 510. In oneembodiment, each of the cells 506 also includes unique identificationindicia 512. The unique identification indicia 512 illustrativelyincludes numerical characters ranging from ‘1’ to ‘144’, consecutively,although other types and numbers of identification indicia may be used.

[0030] As described below, the identification indicia 508 and 510 may beused with corresponding identification indicia on the partition 216 ofthe optical fiber closure 200, the optical connector panel 308, and anoptical tracing circuit 600. This allows for the use of identicaloptical connector panels, as well as identical optical tracing circuits,within an optical fiber closure. As such, inventory and costs associatedwith production of optical connector panels and optical tracing circuitsare reduced, since only a single type of optical connector panel oroptical tracing circuit must be produced and stocked. For example, givenan optical connector panel having twelve optical connector receptaclesfor connecting two optical fibers, all such optical connector panels maybe produced having identification indicia ranging from ‘1’ to ‘24’.

[0031]FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the housing 201 in accordance withone or more aspects of the invention. The partition 216 includes a frame301 surrounding a central opening 303. The frame 301 includes a topportion 302, a bottom portion 304, and lateral opposing side portions312. An inner edge 305 of the top portion 302 includes a plurality ofnotches 306A (e.g., twelve are shown). An inner edge 307 of the bottomportion 304 also includes a plurality of notches 306B, where each of theplurality of notches 306B is opposite a respective one of the pluralityof notches 306A. The notches 306A and 306B respectively form pairs ofnotches 306 for supporting optical connector panels, such as an opticalconnector panel 308. The optical connector panel 308 is described inmore detail below with respect to FIGS. 4A through 4D.

[0032] The partition 216 may also include a plurality of identificationindicia 310 respectively corresponding each pair of notches 306. Forexample, the identification indicia 310 may be disposed across the topportion 302 of the partition 216. The identification indicia 310illustratively includes alphabetical characters ranging from ‘A’ to ‘L’,consecutively, although other types and numbers of identificationindicia may be used. The identification indicia 310 correspond to eachof a plurality of optical connector panels. Although not shown, thebackside of the top portion 302 may also include identification indiciaidentical to the identification indicia 310. The identification indicia310 may be used along with corresponding identification indicia 508 ofthe identification label 226 described above with respect to FIG. 5.

[0033]FIGS. 4A through 4D depict an exemplary embodiment of the opticalconnector panel 308 in accordance with one or more aspects of theinvention. In particular, FIG. 4A depicts an isometric view of theoptical connector panel 308. FIG. 4B depicts a front view of the opticalconnector panel 308. FIG. 4C depicts a side view of the opticalconnector panel 308. FIG. 4D depicts an exploded view of a portion ofthe optical connector panel 308. The optical connector panel 308 may beunderstood with simultaneous reference to FIGS. 4A through 4D.

[0034] The optical connector panel 308 includes a unitary body 401having a top edge 402, a bottom edge 404, lateral opposing side edges406, a front face 407, and a back face 409. For example, unitary bodymay be formed of plastic. The bottom edge 404 includes a fixed latchmember 406 integral therewith and extending downward therefrom. The topedge 402 includes a flexible latch 408 integral therewith. As describedin more detail below, when supported in an optical fiber closure, theoptical connector panel may be removed therefrom by manipulating onlythe flexible latch 408. In this manner, the optical connector panel 308may be removed from an optical fiber closure using a single finger. Thisis in contrast to conventional optical connector panels that require themanipulation of two latches for removal thereof. Use of a single latchfor removal reduces or eliminates the risk of bending optical fibersaround the optical connector panel 308. In addition, the unitary body401 reduces material and labor costs as compared to conventional opticalconnector panels, which have a plurality of component parts, such aseparate body, individual latches, and individual optical connectorreceptacles.

[0035] In an embodiment, the fixed latch member 406 is offset from thefront face 407 and may be substantially flush with the back face 409.The flexible latch 408 includes a first member 410 extending outwardfrom the back face 409 and cantilevered from the top edge 402, and asecond member 412 extending inward towards the back face 409 andcantilevered from the first member 410. The second member 412 has afront edge 418 that extends outward from the front face 407. The secondmember 412 includes a tapered lip 414 and a third member 416 extendingupward from the second member 412 at the front edge 418. The firstmember 410 and the second member 412 are flexible in that a downwardforce applied to the second member 412 causes the first member 410 andthe second member 412 to compress and move downward with respect to thetop edge 402. Removal of a hitherto applied downward force will causethe first member 410 and the second member 412 to uncompress and moveupward with respect to the top edge 402. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that other types of fixed and flexible latch pairs may beused with the invention such that the optical connector panel may beremoved from an optical fiber closure using only the flexible latch.

[0036] In an embodiment, the side edges 406 include sidewalls 420extending outward from the back face 409. Each of the sidewalls 420extends along a respective one of the side edges 406 and is offset fromboth the top edge 402 and the bottom edge 404 forming shoulders 422. Thesidewalls 420 improve the structural integrity of the optical connectorpanel 308. The sidewalls 420 may be tapered inward as they extendoutward from the back face 409 to facilitate insertion of the opticalconnector panel 308 between two adjacent optical connector panels in anoptical fiber closure.

[0037] The optical connector panel 308 further includes a plurality ofreceptacles 424 (e.g., twelve are shown) for supporting opticalconnectors. Various types of receptacles 424 may be used, such asreceptacles for ST, SC, FC, LC, and like type optical connectors. Thereceptacles 424 are offset in that they are disposed nearer one of theside edges 406 than the other of the side edges 406. The offsetreceptacles 424 allow room for the addition of an optical tracingcircuit, such as the optical tracing circuit 600 described below. Aplurality of identification indicia 426 (twenty four are shown) aredisposed along the front face 407 respectively corresponding to theplurality of receptacles (e.g., a pair of identification indicia forreceptacles that connect two optical fibers). The identification indicia426 illustratively includes numerical characters ranging from ‘1’ to‘24’, consecutively, although other types and numbers of identificationindicia may be used. The identification indicia 426 may be used alongwith the identification indicia 510 of the identification label 226described above with respect to FIG. 5. In an embodiment, theidentification indicia 426 may be inwardly molded with respect to thefront face 407 to facilitate the addition of an optical tracing circuit.Although not shown, the back face 409 may also include identificationindicia identical to the identification indicia 426 disposed along oneof the sidewalls 420, for example.

[0038] Mounting of the optical connector panel 308 within the housing201 may be understood with simultaneous reference to FIG. 3. The fixedlatch member 406 communicates with a respective one of the notches 306B.The flexible latch 408 communicates with one of the notches 306A that ispaired with the respective one of notches 306B communicating with thefixed latch member 406. To insert the optical connector panel 308, thefixed latch member 406 is engaged with one of the notches 306B. As thetapered lip 414 of the flexible latch 408 contacts the corresponding oneof the notches 306A, the flexible latch 408 is compressed. Once thetapered lip 414 is out of contact with the corresponding one of thenotches 306A, the flexible latch 408 is uncompressed. The opticalconnector panel 308 is retained between the inner edge 305 and the outeredge 307. The shoulders 422 are substantially flush against the topportion 302 and the bottom portion 304 of the frame 301.

[0039] As described above, the optical connector panel 308 may bequickly removed from the housing 301 using a single finger or tool.Notably, a single finger or tool may-compress the flexible latch 408.Since only a single finger or tool is required to remove the opticalconnector panel, the risk of disturbing optical fibers located aroundthe optical connector panel 308 is substantially reduced or eliminated.Furthermore, the identification indicia 426 of the optical connectorpanel 308 reduces inventory and costs, since only a single type ofoptical connector panel must be produced and stocked. For example, whenused in conjunction with the identification indicia 310 of the partition216 and the identification indicia 508 and 510 of the identificationlabel 226, only a single type of optical connector panel 308 may be usedhaving identification indicia 426 ranging from ‘1’ to ‘24’. Although theoptical fiber closure 201 has been described as including a partition216 for supporting optical connector panels 308, those skilled in theart will appreciate that other types of optical connector panels may beused within a respective partition for supporting such optical connectorpanels.

[0040] As described in more detail below, the identification indicia 508and 510 allows for the use of identical optical connector panels as wellas identical electronic optical tracing circuits within an optical fiberclosure. As such, the identification indicia 508 and 510 reduceinventory and costs, since only a single type of optical connector paneland electronic optical tracing circuit must be produced and stocked.

[0041]FIG. 6 depicts a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of anoptical tracing circuit 600 in accordance with one or more aspects ofthe invention. The optical tracing circuit 600 includes a circuitportion 601 and a flexible circuit board 605, such as a printed wiringboard (PWB). In an embodiment, the circuit portion 601 is a microcircuithaving a plurality of switches 602 (e.g., twenty-four are shown) and aplurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 604 respectively associatedwith the switches 602. For example, the switches 602 may be push-buttonswitches. The microcircuit 601 includes an adhesive backside forsecuring the optical tracing circuit 600 to an optical connector panel,such as the optical connector panel 308 described above. Although theinvention is described as having a plurality of LEDs, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that any type of visual indicator devices may beassociated with the plurality of switches 602.

[0042] The switches 602 are disposed in a staggered configuration on thecircuit portion 601. Notably, each one of the switches 602 is disposedat an angle with respect to an adjacent one of the switches 602. Thestaggered placement of the switches 602 provides a larger clearance areawhen compared to an “in-line” arrangement of switches. The staggeredplacement of switches 602 reduces the risk of pressing two of theswitches 602 simultaneously. In addition, the staggered placement ofswitches 602 increases the density of switches on the circuit portion601.

[0043] The buttons 602 include identification indicia 610. Theidentification indicia 610 illustratively includes numerical charactersranging from ‘1’ to ‘24’ consecutively, although other types and numbersof identification indicia may be used. The identification indicia 610are used to identify a particular optical connector disposed within anoptical connector panel. As such, when the optical tracing circuit issecured to an optical connector panel, each of the buttons 602 and therespective LEDs 604 corresponds to an optical connector within theoptical connector panel.

[0044] The circuit 601 is coupled to the PWB 605. The PWB 605 includes atapered side 606 in order to facilitate access to the rear side of theoptical connectors within an optical connector panel. The PWB 605includes an electrical connector 608 for coupling the optical tracingcircuit to an optical tracing module as described more fully below.Operation of optical tracing circuit 600 to trace the connection ofoptical fibers is well-known in the art.

[0045]FIG. 7 depicts an isometric view showing the optical tracingcircuit 600 within an optical fiber closure 201 in accordance with oneor more aspects of the invention. Elements in FIG. 7 that are the sameor similar to elements depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 are designated withidentical reference numerals and are described in detail above. Anoptical tracing module 702 is mounted within the housing 202. Theoptical tracing module 702 includes various well-known circuit elementsfor facilitating the tracing of optical fiber connections utilizingoptical tracing circuits. The circuit portion 601 of the optical tracingmodule 600 is secured to an optical connector panel 308. The electricalconnector 608 is secured for electrical communication with a receptacle706 of the optical tracing module 702. Operation of the optical tracingmodule 702 and the optical tracing circuit 600 is well-known in the art.

[0046] While the foregoing is directed to illustrative embodiments ofthe invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

1. An optical fiber closure, comprising: a housing including a partitionhaving a frame surrounding a central opening; a plurality of opticalconnector panels supported in the frame, each of the plurality ofoptical connector panels including a plurality of receptacles forsupporting optical connectors and a first plurality of indiciarespectively associated with the plurality of receptacles; the frameincluding a second plurality of indicia respectively associated with theplurality of optical connector panels.
 2. The optical fiber closure ofclaim 1, wherein the first plurality of indicia includes at least one ofnumerical reference characters and alphabetical reference characters,and the second plurality of indicia include the other of numericalreference characters and alphabetical reference characters.
 3. Theoptical fiber closure of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofreceptacles for each of the plurality of optical connector panels isuniquely identifiable by respective indicia of the first plurality ofindicia and respective indicia of the second plurality of indicia. 4.The optical fiber closure of claim 1, further comprising: a coverpivotally mounted to the housing; and an identification label pivotallymounted to the cover, the identification label including a face having aplurality columns for identifying optical connector panels and a thirdplurality of indicia respectively associated with the plurality ofcolumns, each of the plurality of columns including a plurality of cellsfor identifying receptacles and a fourth plurality of indiciarespectively associated with the plurality of cells, the third pluralityindicia corresponding to the second plurality of indicia and the fourthplurality of indicia corresponding to the first plurality of indicia. 5.The optical fiber closure of claim 4, wherein the cover is configured topivot between a closed position with respect to the housing and an openposition with respect to the housing, and the identification label isconfigured to pivot in a first position if the cover is in the closedposition and in a second position if the cover is in the open position,the face of the identification label being visible if the identificationlabel is in either of the first or second positions.
 6. The opticalfiber closure of claim 1, further comprising: an optical tracing modulemounted within the housing; and one or more optical tracing circuitsmounted to a respective one or more of the plurality of opticalconnector panels and coupled to the optical tracing module, each of theoptical tracing circuits including a plurality of switches, a pluralityof visual indicator devices respectively associated with the switches,and a third plurality of indicia respectively associated with theplurality of switches, the third plurality of indicia corresponding withthe first plurality of indicia.
 7. The optical fiber closure of claim 6,wherein each of the one or more optical tracing circuits comprises: acircuit portion having the plurality of switches and the plurality ofvisual indicator devices, each one of the plurality of switches beingdisposed on the circuit portion at an angle to an adjacent one of theplurality of switches; and a flexible circuit board coupled to thecircuit portion, the flexible circuit board including an electricalconnector for coupling the optical tracing circuit to the opticaltracing module.
 8. The optical fiber closure of claim 1, wherein theframe includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and opposing sideportions, the top portion including an inner edge having a firstplurality of notches, the bottom portion having an inner edge having asecond plurality of notches respectively associated with the firstplurality of notches.
 9. The optical fiber closure of claim 8, whereineach of the plurality of optical connector panels comprises a bodyincluding a fixed latch member adapted to communicate with one of thefirst plurality of notches and the second plurality of notches, and aflexible latch member adapted to communicate with the other of the firstplurality of notches and the second plurality of notches.
 10. An opticalconnector panel, comprising: a body including a top, a bottom, andopposing sides; a fixed latch member integral with the body andproximate one of the top and the bottom; a flexible latch memberintegral with the body and proximate the other of the top and thebottom; a plurality of receptacles for supporting optical connectors,the plurality of receptacles disposed along a longitudinal axis of thebody nearer one of the opposing sides than the other of the opposingsides; and a plurality of indicia respectively associated with theplurality of receptacles, the plurality of indicia disposed along thelongitudinal axis of the body proximate the plurality of receptacles.11. The optical connector panel of claim 10, further comprising opposingsidewalls extending outward from the body and respectively disposedalong the opposing sides.
 12. The optical connector panel of claim 11,wherein each of the opposing sidewalls is tapered as each of theopposing sidewalls extends outward from the body.
 13. The opticalconnector panel of claim 10, wherein the plurality of indicia isinwardly molded with respect to the body.
 14. The optical connectorpanel of claim 10, wherein the body includes a front and a back, thefirst plurality of indicia being disposed on the front, the opticalconnector panel further comprising a second plurality of indiciarespectively associated with the plurality of receptacles andcorresponding to the first plurality of indicia, the second plurality ofindicia being disposed on the back along the longitudinal axis of thebody.
 15. An optical tracing circuit adapted to be supported by anoptical connector panel, the optical tracing circuit comprising: acircuit portion having a plurality of switches and a plurality of visualindicator devices respectively associated with the plurality ofswitches, each one of the plurality of switches being disposed on thecircuit portion at an angle to an adjacent one of the plurality ofswitches, the circuit portion adapted to be supported on a face of anoptical connector panel; a flexible circuit board coupled to the circuitportion, the flexible circuit board including an electrical connectorfor coupling the optical tracing circuit to an optical tracing module;and a plurality of indicia respectively associated with the plurality ofswitches.
 16. The optical tracing circuit of claim 15, wherein each ofthe plurality of switches is a button.
 17. The optical tracing circuitof claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of visual indicator devicesis a light-emitting diode.
 18. The optical tracing circuit of claim 15,wherein the flexible circuit board is a printed wiring board.